The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has raised alarm over the rising cost of internet data in Nigeria, warning that it is worsening the country’s digital divide and limiting access to essential online services, especially for underserved communities.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kano on Monday, Haruna Adamu Hadeija, Coordinator of Community Network at CITAD, criticized the recent 50% increase in data, call, and SMS tariffs approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). He emphasized that the price hike is making it even harder for communities already struggling with poor connectivity to access the internet.
“Now that data charges have been raised by 50%, students and parents in underserved areas must pay heavily just to enable their children to learn online,” Hadeija said.
He warned that the rising costs are further entrenching digital exclusion, making it nearly impossible for millions of Nigerians to achieve digital empowerment. While Nigeria has expanded internet access in recent years, a 2022 report by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) estimates that 27.91 million people in 97 underserved communities still lack internet connectivity.
Hadeija highlighted the impact on students, youth, and women in rural areas, noting that many parents are forced to send their children far from home just to register for computer-based tests, conduct exams, and check results due to a lack of internet services.
“It is unfair that many communities are left behind simply because they cannot afford internet services,” he said.
CITAD is calling for urgent policy interventions to address the growing connectivity gap. The organization urged the Minister for Digital Economy to officially recognize community networks as part of Nigeria’s internet infrastructure.
“We urge the USPF to support local communities with grants to develop their own connectivity initiatives. These community networks are not competitors to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs); they are complementary solutions to bridge the digital divide,” Hadeija added.
Additionally, CITAD proposed capacity-building initiatives to equip local communities with the skills and resources needed to create self-sustaining, community-driven networks.
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